People close to James believed the Lakers were ready …

People close to James believed the Lakers were ready to move on from the 22-time All-Star and were never serious about re-signing him despite president of basketball operations and GM Rob Pelinka stating the contrary during an end-of-season news conference after L.A. was swept in the second round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Multiple sources within the Sixers and close to James who spoke to ESPN since the decision were agreed on one thing: Philadelphia was a bold choice.